University Laboratory School Director Rob Lyles Named to Baton Rouge Business Report’s 2025 “40 Under 40” List

Baton Rouge – (Nov. 19, 2025) University Laboratory School (ULS) is proud to announce that Director Rob Lyles has been selected for the Baton Rouge Business Report’s 2025 “40 Under 40” list. This prestigious achievement recognizes business professionals whose leadership and contributions are shaping the future of the Capital Region of Baton Rouge.

Lyles’ connection to ULS runs deep. As a lifelong U-High Cub, he attended ULS for all 13 years from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating with the class of 2005. His dedication to the school gives him a unique perspective, fostering excellence, innovation, and leadership within the Cub community.

After earning his degree from the LSU E.J. Ourso College of Business, Lyles served as a grant accountant for the National Center for Biomedical Research and Counter-Terrorist (NCBRT), a $22 million U.S. Department of Homeland Security-funded program on LSU’s campus. In 2012, he joined the newly established LSU Online as its Business Operations Manager, where he helped lay the foundational framework for what has become one of the university’s most successful and revenue-generating academic pursuits. Lyles later served as the Senior Assistant Dean for Administration in the College of Human Sciences and Education, strategically leading five degree-granting academic departments, four Centers and Institutes, and the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool and University Laboratory School.

As the Director of ULS, Lyles combines higher education leadership with K-12 innovation to successfully lead the next generation of Cubs. His approach is rooted in the belief that success isn’t about titles or accolades but about helping others achieve their goals. His commitment to advancing education, improving school operations, and continuing ULS’s

longstanding traditions of academic excellence has made a significant impact on students, faculty, and families.

Lyles said “I used to think success was measured and defined by your income. Now I view success in terms of impact.”

Outside of work, Lyles is deeply involved in service initiatives such as the Gardere Giveaway, international student events, and volunteer work with humane society.

Lyles’ commitment to advancing education, improving school operations, and continuing ULS’s longstanding traditions of academic excellence has made a significant impact on students, faculty, and families. The entire ULS and LSU community celebrates this achievement and the vision he brings to the school’s future.